Free-Space 3D Pointing Using Single Webcam and Colored LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pointing devices, such as computer mice, require a surface for operation, limiting their use in 2D and 3D human-computer interaction tasks, and existing 3D pointing technologies are either expensive or lack sufficient resolution, making them unsuitable for affordable and manipulative tasks in free space.
Innovation Solution
A human-computer interaction system utilizing a single lens imaging device, like a standard webcam, with actuable visible point light sources of different colors to enable 2D and 3D pointing and command inputs in 'air mode' without the need for a surface, by interpreting the patterns of light sources in sequential images to determine the position and orientation of the pointing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pointing devices like computer mice are used, then 2D pointing functionality is achieved, but surface requirement limits 3D interaction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surface-dependent pointing devices with an optical system using a single lens imaging device and light sources to detect 3D position and orientation in free space, eliminating the need for mechanical contact with a surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D surface-based pointing to 3D free-space pointing by using a single lens imaging device to capture light sources from multiple positions, enabling depth perception and three-dimensional interaction capability
2Measurement precision
If existing 3D pointing technologies are used, then 3D pointing capability is achieved, but high cost or low resolution makes them unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive components including a standard single lens imaging device (webcam), simple light sources (LEDs), and basic circuitry to achieve 3D pointing functionality, avoiding the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining sufficient resolution for practical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single lens imaging device to capture optical images of light sources from different positions, creating multiple virtual views that are processed to calculate 3D position and orientation, achieving accurate tracking without requiring multiple physical cameras or complex sensor arrays
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective 2D and 3D pointing and command inputs in free space, allowing for tasks like 3D sculpturing and gaming without the need for a surface, using a conventional webcam and simple circuitry, providing a user-friendly and affordable solution.
Implementation Method 1
An optical or optoelectronic mouse uses an optoelectronic sensor (essentially, a tiny low-resolution video camera) to image a naturally occurring texture of an underlying surface made of materials such as wood, cloth, mouse pad materials and Formica, using light reflected from the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for surface-free pointing and/or command input include a computing device operably linked to an imaging device. The imaging device can be any suitable video recording device including a conventional webcam. At least one pointing/input device is provided including first and second sets of visible point light sources, wherein the first and second sets emit differently colored light. The imaging device captures one or more sequential image frames each including a view of a scene including the first and second sets of visible point light sources. One or more software programs calculate a position and/or a motion and/or an orientation of the pointing/input device in the captured image frames by identifying colored areas corresponding to the first set of aligned visible point light sources. Certain activation patterns of individual point light sources are mapped to particular pointing and/or input commands.